SOFTWARE TERMS


Visual BASIC: A programming language developed by Microsoft. Used by more programmers than any other language. A lot of Windows programs are programmed in this language.

C and C++ Most complicated and most advantageous programming language. Created in the 1970's by Bell Labs.

PASCAL: Another programming language used by a lot of old school programmers.

Java: Programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Runs on all types of computers.

File: A collection of related data or program records

Operating System (OS): Software designed to control the hardware of a specific data-processing system in order to allow users and application programs to employ it easily.

Filename: Name given to files so they can be found at a later time.

Directory: A listing of the files contained in a storage device, such as a hard drive.

Subdirectory: A subdivision of a computer directory.

Boot: To enter into a computer using a few initial instructions.

Bit: Smallest unit in which you can store information on a computer.

Driver: Small program used to detect hardware that is attatched to a computer.

Backup: A second copy of a file, used in case the original copy is lost or destroyed.

Application Program: Program designed to be used on an Operating System and is useful to you.


File Extension: Used to determine the type of file being selected.

UNIX: OS developed by Bell Labs in the 1970's. It is very stable and is used by a good percentage of all web servers.

Linux: A more user friendly version of Unix, used for home computers much more than Unix. Also used on a good percentage of all web servers.

Windows: OS developed by Microsoft, used on most PC's. Most popular OS, but not the most stable.

Windows NT/2000: Server version of Windows, much more stable and used on about half of all web servers.

Mac OS: OS designed by Apple for its computers. Used only on Apple computers, good for video and graphic editing.

BeOS: Free operating system designed by Be, Inc. Up and coming and still very young.


Courtesy of Library.Thinkquest.org